'I had no one to talk to': Lewis Hamilton opens up on lifelong struggle with depression
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up on his private battle with depression, which he said stems from his teenage years.
In an interview with the UK's Sunday Times, Hamilton revealed he has suffered from depression since he was 13 years old after being bullied at school.
He also acknowledged that the pressure associated with racing as he made his way up the ranks contributed to his poor mental health.
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Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton during a press conference. Getty
The now 39-year-old has featured on the F1 grid since 2007. His decorated career has seen him collect the most grand prix wins, pole positions and podium finishes of any driver in the history of the sport.
Hamilton is the son of mixed-race parents who separated when he was just two years old.
Because of his ancestry, Hamilton was subjected to racism as he grew up in Stevenage — a small country town north of London.
"I've struggled with mental health throughout my life. [I've had] depression from a very early age, when I was, like, 13," he said.
"I think it was the pressure of the racing and struggling at school. The bullying. I had no one to talk to.
"I'd struggle initially to calm my mind."
Race winner Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium following the British Grand Prix. Getty
Having self-reflected during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the 2020 F1 season to be put on hold, Hamilton began waking at 5am to meditate before going for long-distance runs.
"It's a really great way of getting in touch with myself, my inner feelings, understanding what I can do," he said.
Asked if he had ever seen a therapist to discuss his depressed moods, Hamilton admitted he would like to reach out to someone.
"I spoke to one woman, years ago, but that wasn't really helpful," he said.
"I would like to find someone."
Hamilton currently sits sixth in the drivers' standings with 174 world championship points, having broken a two-year drought with wins at the British and Belgian grand prix this season.
He is in his 12th and final season with Mercedes, having joined the team from McLaren ahead of 2013, after it was announced that he would join rival top-tier team Ferrari on a multi-year deal from next year.
